Chapter 317 Is there any way?

His emotions are clearly written on his face, and he lives so calmly and truly.

A pure heart? Or a deeper disguise?

Although he was criticized, Xiao Yunshuo didn't have much expectation.

She withdrew her gaze, looked out the window again, and said no more.

The carriage fell into a subtle silence, with only the rumbling sound of the wheels rolling over the bluestone slabs.

In the other carriage, the atmosphere was much more harmonious.

After knowing Yan Zhibai's identity, Qin Jingzhan was no longer lazy and even took the initiative to talk to him.

He had no interest in serving the Second Princess Shuofeng, but was not interested in serving anyone after Mr. Huaichuan.

It is said that the reason he died young was because he witnessed the war between the two countries.

After returning home, he spared no effort to make anti-war speeches and advocate peace.

It is not known whether he was weak to begin with or if he angered those in power, but he eventually died.

Qin Jingzhan introduced some stories about Fengjing, while Yan Zhibai was focused and humble, nodding in response from time to time.

His eyes also lingered on the street scene outside the window, with the concentration and curiosity unique to scholars.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the most prosperous and bustling East Market in Fengjing, and everyone got off.

As soon as you step in, a wave of heat mixed with the smell of life hits you in the face.

The wide streets are lined with shops and flags fluttering.

The silks and satins from the silk shop shimmered in the sunlight;

The spice shops were filled with rich fragrance;

The restaurants and eateries wafted with enticing aromas, and the waiters' calls echoed one after another...

The center of the street was crowded with people.

The hawkers carrying baskets and selling seasonal fruits;

a peddler pushing a wheelbarrow selling gadgets;

Hu merchants leading camels loaded with rare treasures from the Western Regions;

There were also groups of scholars dressed in Confucian robes who were going to take the imperial examinations, talking and chatting as if no one was around.

The sounds of bargaining, children playing, artists singing, and the sound of carriages and horses...all kinds of sounds are intertwined together.

As soon as Qin Zhaoyue got out of the car, his goal was very clear, and he walked briskly to Yan Zhibai.

He naturally took the best "tour guide" position and pushed the fifth brother who was originally next to him aside.

Qin Jingzhan rolled his eyes, shrugged and stepped aside.

He didn't mind chatting with Yan Zhibai, but he wasn't too eager to do so. If Sixth Sister was in a hurry, he could just let her do it.

It must be said that this man is indeed handsome, comparable to him.

The two people in front were chatting animatedly, but the three people at the back remained silent.

Relying on the Fourth Princess Qin Zhaoshu? That's impossible!

Since the trip, this Communist Party member has not said a word.

At this moment, she looked even more indifferent, as if the hustle and bustle around her had nothing to do with her. She was a complete taciturn person.

Qin Jingzhan was unwilling to serve, and the atmosphere was a little awkward.

The Second Princess of Shuofeng had no status at all and could only rely on Yan Zhibai's face and listen to the Sixth Princess' introduction.

At the same time, in a rather grand restaurant in the East Market, on the second floor, there was an elegant seat by the window.

It was already past the prime lunch hour, and there were fewer diners upstairs than before.

There were two people sitting opposite each other near the window.

One of them was short and stocky with dark and rough skin. He was Li E, the commander of the Xuanwu Army who escorted Xiao Yunshuo to the capital.

The person sitting opposite was the fifth-rank cavalry official of the Xuan Ge Division, whose surname was Chen.

He once served in the Northern Border Army, and was later transferred to the Northwestern Border to be in charge of military and horse affairs. Now he has been transferred to the Fengjing Xuan Ge Division.

Although the two were not close friends, they had met several times in the northern border, so it was appropriate for him to entertain Li E this time.

There were some exquisite side dishes and a pot of warm old wine on the table.

"Brother Chen, thank you for your hospitality." Li E raised his glass and gestured.

"You're welcome, Brother Li. Thank you for your hard work."

Chen Sicheng retorted, his eyes sweeping across the bustling East Market streets below. "Fengjing is prosperous, very different from the border."

Li E also followed his gaze and looked out the window, looking at the scene of peace and prosperity, with no expression on his dark face.

He just said "hmm" and drank the wine in the glass.

On the street downstairs, Qin Zhaoyue and his group were being escorted by the imperial guards as they slowly passed under the restaurant.

Chen Sicheng had sharp eyes and recognized those noble ladies and Princess Shufeng, and couldn't help but take a few more glances.

Li E naturally saw it as well, but he just glanced at it lightly and then looked away.

His expression was normal, as if he was seeing an ordinary passerby.

Chen Sicheng put down his wine glass and asked in a low voice, seemingly unintentionally:

"Brother Li, you escorted the Second Princess Shuofeng all the way to the capital. Did you notice anything special about her? Or anything unusual about her entourage?"

Li E picked up his chopsticks and picked up a piece of golden fish that was as thin as a cicada's wing. After chewing it for a few times, he spoke slowly, his voice carrying the unique roughness of a soldier:

“Nothing special, just a noble lady who has read too many books.

He was particular about elegance and did not like luxury and pomp, so he had a personal maid by his side to take care of his daily life.

The journey was smooth and there were no problems at all."

"Oh? In that case, everything is going smoothly."

Chen Sicheng nodded and filled Li E's glass with wine.

"Brother Li, you are staying in Fengjing temporarily this time. Do you have a place to stay?

There are houses behind the Xuan Ge Si government office for temporary accommodation of officials from other places, but the conditions are a bit simple.

If it were usual, I would be able to find an inn outside after receiving the subsidy and feel comfortable.

But now that the provincial examination is approaching, all the inns are overcrowded and the prices are skyrocketing, so it might be hard to find one."

Li E picked up the newly filled wine bowl and said in a deep voice, "No need to trouble Si Cheng. I have a small house in Fengjing."

Chen Sicheng smiled when he heard this: "Is that so? That's much more convenient!

Even though Brother Li lives at home, the subsidy he receives will continue to be paid as usual, which will at least help with the family expenses."

He raised the wine bowl, but before taking a sip, he suddenly asked:

"If the Northern Territory can be stabilized this time, Brother Li, have you ever considered transferring back to Fengjing to take up your post?"

Li E pulled the corner of his mouth, revealing an indescribable bitter smile, and raised his wine bowl to toast from afar.

"Brother Chen, you're joking. How can a rough man like me easily take root in the capital?"

He raised his head, drank another bowl of wine, and looked across at the opposite side with burning eyes:

"Or...Brother Chen, do you have any connections?"

Chen Sicheng also drank the wine in the bowl, laughed and changed the subject.

Although we have met a few times, we are not close friends.

After a little probing, I could see that he had this intention, so I planted a seed first.

If I hadn't heard that he had a house in Fengjing, I wouldn't have spoken to him the first time we met.

After finishing the meal, Li E politely declined Chen Sicheng's offer to send someone to see him off, saying that he knew the way.

Chen Sicheng did not force him, but just reminded him to remember to report to Xuan Ge Si every day in case his superiors summoned him for urgent matters.

Li E, still a little drunk, left the restaurant alone.

We didn't hire a car or wander around, but walked towards the southeast with a clear goal.

After passing through three markets in succession, the streets and alleys gradually became narrower and quieter, and the noisy city sounds were isolated outside.

Finally, he came to a secluded alley in Anrenfang.

Deep in the alley, in front of an inconspicuous courtyard gate.

The courtyard wall was gray, and the vermilion paint on the door had long since peeled off, revealing the wood texture inside.

"Are you... Li Erlang?"